Dispenser for dispensing volatile compositions

ABSTRACT

A volatile composition dispenser is configured to be used in a vehicle. The volatile composition dispenser comprises a housing and a fan positioned at least partially within the housing. The fan is configured to intermittently activate to move a volume of air. The volatile composition dispenser further comprises a controller in electrical communication with the fan and positioned within the housing, and a replaceable unit configured to be attached to the housing and positioned at least partially within the housing.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for dispensingvolatile compositions and, more particularly, relates to methods andapparatuses for dispensing volatile compositions using an actuator.

BACKGROUND

An air freshener can be used to provide a pleasant scent to an areasurrounding the air freshener. In certain circumstances, air freshenerscan be used in vehicles. Various air fresheners can provide a constantemission of a volatile composition, such as a fragrance, to an interioratmosphere of a vehicle, regardless of whether the vehicle is operatingor dormant. Such constant emission of the volatile composition can causepassengers to become acclimated to the volatile composition, therebyessentially rendering the air freshener useless. Further, in someinstances, temperatures within the interior atmosphere of the vehiclecan be extreme leading to a volatile composition scent that can beeither too powerful or not noticeable to the passengers of the vehicle.What is needed is an improvement over the foregoing.

SUMMARY

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a volatilecomposition dispenser is configured to be used in a vehicle. Thevolatile composition dispenser comprises a housing and a fan positionedat least partially within the housing. The fan is configured tointermittently activate to move a volume of air. The volatilecomposition dispenser further comprises a controller in electricalcommunication with the fan and positioned within the housing, and areplaceable unit configured to be one of attached to the housing andpositioned at least partially within the housing. The replaceable unitcomprises a volatile composition container comprising a volatilecomposition in at least partially a liquid phase and configured toevaporate into a vapor phase. The fan is configured to intermittentlyforce the volume of air at least partially through the volatilecomposition container to expel at least most of the vapor phase volatilecomposition into an atmosphere of a vehicle. The replaceable unitfurther comprises a power source in electrical communication with thecontroller.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a volatilecomposition dispenser comprises a centrifugal fan configured tointermittently move a volume of air and a controller operably engagedwith the centrifugal fan. The volatile composition dispenser furthercomprises a volatile composition container comprising a volatilecomposition in at least one of a liquid phase and a vapor phase. Thevolatile composition container is configured to receive at least most ofthe volume of air. The volatile composition container further comprisesa material comprising at least one surface. The material is configuredto at least partially inhibit the volatile composition from transformingfrom the liquid phase into the vapor phase. A flow path of the volume ofair at least partially through the volatile composition container issubstantially along the at least one surface of the material.

In still another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, avolatile composition dispenser comprises a housing and a centrifugal fanpositioned within the housing. The centrifugal fan is configured to beintermittently activated to move a volume of air. The volatilecomposition dispenser further comprises a controller in electricalcommunication with the centrifugal fan and positioned within thehousing, and a volatile composition container. The volatile compositioncontainer comprises an inner wall, at least one projection extendingfrom the inner wall, and a material configured to contain a volatilecomposition in at least partially a liquid phase. The at least oneprojection is configured to engage a portion of the material to maintainthe portions of the material at a distance away from the inner wall. Invarious embodiments the use of projection is optional. The volatilecomposition container further comprises a space defined intermediate theinner wall and the portions of the material. At least a portion of theliquid phase volatile composition is configured to evaporate into thespace to create a saturated vapor phase volatile composition within thespace. The centrifugal fan is configured to intermittently force thevolume of air at least partially through the space to expel at leastmost of the saturated vapor phase volatile composition from the volatilecomposition container.

In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, areplaceable unit for a volatile composition dispenser comprising acentrifugal fan configured to be intermittently activated is provided.The replaceable unit comprises a volatile composition containercomprising an inner wall, at least one projection extending from theinner wall, and a material configured to contain a volatile compositionin at least partially a liquid phase. The at least one projection isconfigured to engage a portion of the material to maintain the materialat a distance away from the inner wall. The replaceable unit furthercomprises a space defined intermediate the inner wall and the material.At least a portion of the liquid phase volatile composition isconfigured to evaporate into the space to create a saturated vapor phasevolatile composition within the space. The replaceable unit furthercomprises a power source configured to provide power to the centrifugalfan.

In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, amethod of dispensing a volatile composition comprises providing areplaceable unit comprising a power source and a volatile compositioncontainer comprising a volatile composition. The method furthercomprises providing a centrifugal fan powered by the power source and influid communication with the volatile composition container, evaporatinga portion of the volatile composition within the volatile compositioncontainer, and using the centrifugal fan to intermittently force avolume of air at least partially through the volatile compositioncontainer to expel at least most of the evaporated portion of thevolatile composition from the volatile composition container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the presentdisclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparentand the present disclosure itself will be better understood by referenceto the following description of various non-limiting embodiments of thepresent disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a volatile composition dispenser inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the volatile compositiondispenser of FIG. 1, illustrating various components, in accordance withone non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the volatile compositiondispenser of FIG. 1 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a replaceable unit of avolatile composition dispenser in accordance with one non-limitingembodiment;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a replaceable unit of a volatilecomposition dispenser in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a replaceable unit of a volatilecomposition dispenser in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an actuator of a volatile compositiondispenser in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator of FIG. 6 inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an end view of a volatile composition container configured tobe used with a volatile composition dispenser in accordance with onenon-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 8A is side view of a volatile composition container configured tobe used with a volatile composition dispenser in accordance with onenon-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 9 is another end view of a volatile composition containerconfigured to be used with a volatile composition dispenser inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 3 inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10A-10A of FIG. 4Ain accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a material configured to be positionedwithin a volatile composition container in accordance with onenon-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another material configured to bepositioned within a volatile composition container in accordance withone non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of yet another material configured to bepositioned within a volatile composition container in accordance withone non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of still another material configured to bepositioned within a volatile composition container in accordance withone non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an example cross-sectional view of a volatile compositioncontainer having a material positioned therein in accordance with onenon-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 16 is another example cross-sectional view of a volatilecomposition container having a material positioned therein in accordancewith one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of an actuator and volatilecomposition container configuration in accordance with one non-limitingembodiment;

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration of another actuator and volatilecomposition container configuration in accordance with one non-limitingembodiment;

FIG. 19 is a flow chart describing an electrical and sensing system of avolatile composition dispenser in accordance with one non-limitingembodiment;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a volatile composition dispenser inaccordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of the volatile compositiondispenser of FIG. 20 in accordance with one non-limiting embodiment;

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a replaceable unit of avolatile composition dispenser in accordance with one non-limitingembodiment; and

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a volatile composition dispenser with aportion of its housing removed in accordance with one non-limitingembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will now be described to provide an overallunderstanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture,and use of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein. One or moreexamples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that theapparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings are non-limiting example embodiments and thatthe scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure isdefined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described inconnection with one example embodiment can be combined with the featuresof other example embodiments. Such modifications and variations areintended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

According to various embodiments, a volatile composition dispenser canbe used to dispense a volatile composition and/or other solution orcomposition, such as a fragrance or an insecticide, for example, to anarea surrounding the dispenser. In certain embodiments, the volatilecomposition can comprise a single chemical and/or a single material thatis capable of entering the vapor phase or, more commonly, the volatilecomposition can comprise a mixture of chemicals and/or materials thatare capable of entering the vapor phase. In one non-limiting embodiment,the volatile composition can also comprise non-vaporizable components inaddition to vaporizable components, for example. In various embodiments,the volatile compositions can comprise, but are not limited to,substances that can function as air fresheners, deodorants, odorneutralizing materials, odor blocking materials, odor masking materials,aromatherapy materials, aromachology materials, insecticides, and/orcombinations thereof. In other various embodiments, the volatilecompositions can comprise other materials that can act in their vaporphase to modify, enhance, and/or treat an atmosphere or an environment.In one non-limiting embodiment, the volatile composition dispenser canbe configured for use within an interior space, compartment, area,and/or atmosphere of a vehicle, for example, although the presentdisclosure is not limited to such use. The term “vehicle” can include acar, a van, an SUV, a truck, a train, a boat, and/or a plane, forexample, or any other suitable apparatus for transporting people orthings. While the volatile composition dispenser will be discussedherein with reference to use within a vehicle, those of skill in the artwill understand that the volatile composition dispenser can beconfigured for use in any environment, such as a domestic environment,for example, and can be configured to dispense any suitable solutions,chemical, materials, and/or compositions.

In various embodiments, the volatile composition dispensed by thevolatile composition dispenser and can comprise any suitable solution,chemical, material, and/or composition configured to make the interioratmosphere of the vehicle smell more pleasant to passengers and/orprovide passengers with a good open door experience when entering thevehicle, for example. The volatile composition dispenser can evaporate apleasant fragrance and/or evaporate a volatile composition that canneutralize and/or at least partially eliminate malodors, for example. Inone non-limiting embodiment, the volatile composition dispenser can beconfigured to intermittently and/or periodically, over predeterminedtime intervals, provide a dose of the volatile composition to theinterior atmosphere of the vehicle to prevent, or at least inhibit, thepassengers of the vehicle from becoming acclimated to the smell of thevolatile composition over a period of time. In such an embodiment, byselectively and/or intermittently dosing the volatile composition withinthe interior atmosphere of the vehicle, the passenger's sense of smellmay be more aware of the volatile composition when it is dispensed.Optimal dosing time intervals and dosing amounts can vary depending onvarious conditions within the interior atmosphere of the vehicle, suchas temperature, humidity, volume, and/or air flow conditions, forexample.

When a passenger enters a vehicle having a dispenser that provides aconstant dose and/or that constantly evaporates a volatile composition,the passenger can be overwhelmed by and/or not aware of the dispensedvolatile composition because of the extreme conditions, such astemperature, for example, that can occur within the interior atmosphereof the vehicle. In various circumstances, volatile compositions canevaporate faster at higher temperatures and slower at lowertemperatures. In some instances, the temperature in the interioratmosphere of a vehicle can get as high as 170 degrees Fahrenheit and aslow as below freezing. If the same amount of a volatile composition wasdispensed at each extreme of the large temperature range, a passengercould be significantly overpowered by the volatile composition at thehigher temperature extreme and may not even notice and/or smell thevolatile composition at the lower temperature extreme. As a result, avolatile composition dispenser that provides volatile composition dosingthat is correlated to the temperature conditions or other variousconditions of the interior atmosphere of the vehicle can be quiteuseful. In various embodiments, a smaller volatile composition doseamount can be provided by the dispenser at higher temperatures, while alarger volatile composition dose amount can be provided by the dispenserat lower temperatures, for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, avolatile composition dispenser can comprise a temperature sensorconfigured to determine the temperature within the interior atmosphereof the vehicle, such that the volatile composition dispenser canselectively dose the interior atmosphere of the vehicle appropriatelyfor particular temperature conditions.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1-3, a volatile compositiondispenser 10 can achieve the advantages discussed above, among otheradvantages, and can comprise a housing 12 and a selectably attachablereplaceable unit 32. In one non-limiting embodiment, the housing 12 cancomprise a user feedback module 16, such as a visible indicator, a lightsource, and/or an audible alert, for example. In various embodiments,the volatile composition dispenser 10 can also comprise at least oneorifice 18 configured to dispense a volatile composition therethrough toan interior atmosphere of a vehicle and at least one aperture 24configured to receive user input buttons or switches 26 therein, forexample. In various embodiments, the housing 12 can comprise an elongateshape or any other suitable shape configured to accept the variousinternal components discussed herein. In one non-limiting embodiment,referring to FIG. 2, the housing 12 can comprise a top shell 15 and abottom shell 17. The top shell 15 can be attached to the bottom shell 17using any suitable attachment method, such as adhesive bonding or amechanical connection, for example. The volatile composition dispenser10 can also comprise a clip 13 formed with or attached to the housing 12or other suitable portion of the volatile composition dispenser 10. Inone non-limiting embodiment, the clip 13 can be used to attach thevolatile composition dispenser 10 to a visor, an air vent within avehicle, and/or to another object, for example.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, the housing 12can be configured to receive various internal components of the volatilecomposition dispenser 10. In one non-limiting embodiment, the variousinternal components can comprise an actuator 28 configured to provide avolume, a volumetric displacement, a pulse, a stream, a flow, a bolus,and/or a puff (hereafter “volume”) of air or other suitable fluid or gas(hereafter “air”), and a controller 30. In such an embodiment, if thereplaceable unit 32 is connected to the housing 12 as shown in FIG. 1,the actuator 28 can be in fluid communication with a portion of thereplaceable unit 32 such that it can provide at least most of the volumeof air to a portion of the replaceable unit 32. In one non-limitingembodiment, the housing 12 can define a receiving portion 34 configuredto receive various internal components, such as the actuator 28 and thecontroller 30, for example. In other various embodiments, the housing 12can define one receiving space configured to receive all of the variousinternal components or can comprise a separate receiving space for eachof the various internal components, for example.

In one non-limiting embodiment, referring to FIGS. 2-5 the housing 12can comprise at least one latch 36 attached thereto or formed therewith.The latch 36 can extend from the housing 12 in any suitable direction.In one non-limiting embodiment, the latch 36 can be configured toselectively attach the replaceable unit 32 to the housing 12 when thereplaceable unit 32 is moved toward the housing 12 in a directionindicated by arrow 21. The latch 36 can be configured to release thereplaceable unit 32 from the housing 12 when the replaceable unit 32 ismoved away from the housing 12 in a direction indicated by arrow 19. Invarious embodiments, the latch 36 can comprise a tooth 35 configured toengage a slot 37 on the replaceable unit 32 or on the portion of thehousing 12 of the replaceable unit 32. In one non-limiting embodiment, alatch, like latch 35, can be formed integral with or attached to thereplaceable unit 32 and can engage a slot, like slot 37, on the housing12. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, otherattachment techniques and/or latch designs can be used to secure thereplaceable unit 32 to the housing 12, such as other attachment members,a threaded connection, a friction/compression connection, and/or amagnetic connection, for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, ahousing (not illustrated) can comprise a cavity configured to receive areplaceable unit, such as the replaceable unit 32′ illustrated in FIG.4A, for example, and a movable door (not illustrated) that can be openedto remove and/or replace the replaceable unit 32′. For example, after anew replaceable unit 32′ is inserted into a cavity of the housing, themovable door can be closed to complete the circuit of the power source38 with the controller 30, as the movable door can comprise anelectrically conductive portion configured to engage a terminal of thepower source 38.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1-4, and 5-7, the replaceableunit 32 can comprise a shell 23. The shell 23 can define a volatilecomposition container 50 and a power source receiving space 52. In onenon-limiting embodiment, referring to FIG. 4, the volatile compositioncontainer 50 and the power source receiving space 52 can be separated bya wall 54. In other embodiments, the wall 54 can be eliminated. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the power source receiving space 52 can beconfigured to receive a power source 38. In one non-limiting embodiment,referring to FIG. 5, the power source receiving space 52 can comprise anelectrical lead 51 configured to transmit power from the power source 38to the controller 30 and/or configured to complete the electricalcircuit of the power source 38 with the controller 30. In onenon-limiting embodiment, referring to FIG. 4, as discussed in thefurther detail below, the volatile composition container 50 can beconfigured to receive a high surface area material 64 containing avolatile composition. The high surface area material 64 can be sealablyreceived by the volatile composition container 50.

In various non-limiting embodiments the high surface area material 64may have a volume of about 2 cm³ to about 16 cm³ or alternatively ofabout 5 cm³ to about 12 cm³ and an evaporative surface area (i.e.; thesurface area of the high surface area material exposed to air flow) ofabout 5 cm² to about 50 cm² or alternatively of about 15 cm² to about 45cm². The high surface area material 64 may contain a volatilecomposition wherein the volume of volatile composition within the highsurface area material 64 may be from about 1.5 ml to about 12 ml oralternatively, from about 4 ml to about 10 ml.

In one non-limiting embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, the highsurface area material 64 can be sealably contained within a volatilecomposition container 33. In such an embodiment, the volatilecomposition container 33 can be formed with or otherwise secured to thepower source 38 by a strap 68, for example, to form a replaceable unit32′. In various embodiments, the power source 38 can be attached to thevolatile composition container 33 using any suitable technique, such asany suitable clip, clamp, band, adhesive, and/or sleeve, for example. Inone non-limiting embodiment, although not illustrated, a housing can beconfigured to receive the replaceable unit 32′. In such an embodiment,the replaceable unit 32 will not be used with the volatile compositiondispenser 10. The volatile composition container 33 can have two or moreorifices 58 to allow the volume of air to flow into and through thevolatile composition container 33 when located proximate to the actuator28 within the housing. The two or more orifices 58 defined by volatilecomposition container 33 can comprise at least one inlet orifice and atleast one outlet orifice. The at least one outlet orifice can be influid communication with outlet orifice 18. As will be appreciated bythose of skill in the art, the two or more orifices 58 can be coveredwhen the replaceable unit 32′ is not in use to avoid diffusion andevaporative losses of the volatile composition. In other embodiments,the two or more orifices 58 can be sized and configured to at leastinhibit evaporative losses of the volatile composition within thevolatile composition container 33.

In various embodiments, the replaceable units 32 or 32′ can allow forrenewal of the volatile composition dispenser 10 without replacement ofthe controller 30, the actuator 28, and/or the entire volatilecomposition dispenser 10 itself. For example, the replaceable unit 32 or32′ can be replaced with a different replaceable unit 32 or 32′. Thoseof skill in the art will recognize that the replaceable unit 32′ will beinserted into a housing (not illustrated) and that the replaceable unit32 will be attached to the housing 12. In some embodiments, thereplaceable unit 32′ can be inserted into a shell 23 and attached to thehousing 12. Hereafter, the replaceable unit 32 and the replaceable unit32′ will be referred to as “replaceable unit 32”, unless otherwisenoted.

In various embodiments, the replaceability of the replaceable unit 32can also allow the user to easily change from dispensing one volatilecomposition to another volatile composition in a safe, substantiallyleak-free, and simple manner. In some instances, the user can havedifficultly determining when to replace the volatile compositioncontainer and/or the power source 38 in the volatile compositiondispenser 10. In various circumstances, the life of a volatilecomposition within the volatile composition container can be extended orshortened based on various operating and/or environmental conditionsthat the volatile composition dispenser 10 is exposed to, such asambient air temperature, for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, byproviding a replaceable unit having both a volatile compositioncontainer and a power source, the user does not now have to “guess” whenthe volatile composition is expired and/or is at least mostly expiredand can merely rely on the power level of the power source 38 todetermine when replacement of the replaceable unit 32 is required. Invarious embodiments, the controller 30 can measure the voltage, theamperage, and/or the remaining power level of the power source 38, forexample, and can indicate to the user, through the user feedback module16, when replacement of the replaceable unit 32 is required. In onenon-limiting embodiment, by providing the replaceable unit 32, thevolatile composition dispenser 10 can operate at a high level ofefficiency in that the volatile composition container 33 or 50 willusually have an adequate amount of volatile composition therein and thepower source 38 will usually be able to provide adequate power to thevolatile composition dispenser 10 to maintain the desired delivery rateof the volatile composition. Additionally, the replaceable unit 32 canpossibly prevent, or at least inhibit, the requirement for separatereplacement of a power source and/or a volatile composition container,which could cause delivery of the volatile composition below desiredlevels, owing to either an inadequate power level in the power sourceand/or an inadequate amount of volatile composition remaining within thevolatile composition container. The replaceable unit 32 solves theseissues by providing a fresh power source 38 and a fresh volatilecomposition container 33 or 50 containing a fresh volatile compositioneach time the replaceable unit 32 is replaced by a user.

In various embodiments, the power source 38 can comprise a battery, suchas a AA battery, a AAA battery, a 9 volt battery, and/or other suitablebattery, for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, the replaceableunit 32 can be disposable and can be configured to prevent, or at leastinhibit, leakage of the volatile composition therefrom. In variousembodiments, the power source 38 can provide power to the controller 30,such that the controller 30 can power the actuator 28, the user feedbackmodule 16, a temperature sensor, an air flow sensor, a motion sensor,and/or various other sensors, for example. In various embodiments, thereplaceable unit 32 can comprise a power source cap 44 and a volatilecomposition container cap 46. In various embodiments, the volatilecomposition container cap 46 has a sealed engagement with the volatilecomposition container 50. In one non-limiting embodiment, referring toFIG. 4, the power source cap 44 can define a port 45 configured toreceive at least a terminal of the power source 38. In one non-limitingembodiment, the power source cap 44 can be electrically conductive. Thepower source cap 44, or a portion of the power source 38, can beconfigured to be in electrical communication with the controller 30 whenthe replaceable unit 32 is attached to the housing 12 in order tocomplete an electrical circuit of the power source 38. In other variousembodiments, the power source 38 can be in electrical communication withother various internal components positioned within the receivingportion 34 in any suitable fashion known to those skilled in the art.

Further to the above, in still other various embodiments, the volatilecomposition dispenser 10 can be powered by a power source of thevehicle, such as a cigarette lighter plug or an auxiliary power port,for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, a solar power source, suchas a solar cell, for example, can be used to power the volatilecomposition dispenser 10. In various embodiments, the solar cell (i.e.,a photovoltaic cell) can be positioned on an outer portion of thevolatile composition dispenser 10 or in communication with the volatilecomposition dispenser 10, such that the solar cell can receive lightthat can be transformed into energy to power the volatile compositiondispenser 10. In other various embodiments, the volatile compositiondispenser 10 can comprise an electrical cord in electrical communicationwith the controller 30 or other components of the volatile compositiondispenser 10, such that when the electrical cord is plugged into aconventional electrical outlet, the controller 30 can be powered. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the power source 38 can be a rechargeable powersource that can be recharged using any suitable technique. Those ofskill in the art, upon review of the present disclosure, will recognizethat any other suitable method or device can be used to provide power tothe volatile composition dispenser 10.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 1-5 the replaceable unit 32can comprise an inlet orifice 56 and the outlet orifice 18, for example.If the replaceable unit 32′ is provided, the volatile compositioncontainer 33 can have at least one outlet orifice 58 proximate to itsdistal end 31, for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, referring toFIGS. 2, 6, and 7, the actuator 28 can be in fluid communication withthe inlet orifice 56 of the volatile composition container cap 46 suchthat the actuator 28 can provide the volume of air to the inlet orifice56. In one non-limiting embodiment, the actuator 28 can force the volumeof air through the inlet orifice 56 and at least partially through thelength of the volatile composition container 50 to cause at least aportion of the volume of air to exit the volatile composition dispenser10 through the outlet orifice 18. The purpose of forcing the volume ofair through the volatile composition container 50 is to force at least aportion, or in some instances most of, a vapor phase volatilecomposition from the volatile composition container 50. In variousembodiments, the diameter, perimeter, cross-sectional configuration,and/or length of the inlet orifice 56 can be sized, shaped, and/orconfigured to minimize pressure losses across the volatile compositioncontainer 50.

In one non-limiting embodiment, referring to FIG. 8, the inlet orifice56 can, for example, be generally centered on a face of the volatilecomposition container cap 46. In other embodiments, referring to FIG. 9,the inlet orifice 56 can be positioned at a location proximate to a sideportion of the face of the volatile composition container cap 46.Referring to FIG. 8, the orifice 56 can also be located in any suitablelocation on volatile composition container 50. In one non-limitingembodiment, referring to FIG. 8A, a side view of an example volatilecomposition container 50 is provided. The volatile composition container50 is configured to be used with the volatile composition dispenser 10.In various embodiments, the inlet orifice 56 and outlet orifice 18 cancomprise a tube-like configuration, comprising an inner diameter (ID)and a length (L). In various embodiments, the cross sectional area ofinlet orifice 56 and/or outlet orifice 18 may be circular, oblong,rectangular, for example, or can have any other suitable configuration.The inlet orifice 56 and the outlet orifice 18 may comprise tube-likeconfigurations of similar dimensions. In other embodiments, thetube-like configuration of the inlet orifice 56 may differ from thetube-like configuration of the outlet orifice 18. For example, thelength of inlet orifice 56 may be less than the length of the outletorifice 18. In various embodiments, the inlet orifice 56 and/or theoutlet orifice 18 may comprise passages or channels, for example, or anyother suitable configurations for allowing the passage of the volume ofair.

Furthermore, referring to FIG. 9, the outlet orifice 18 can be offsetwith respect to a central longitudinal axis from the inlet orifice 56,to create a tortuous path through the volatile composition container 50.As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art after consideringthe present disclosure, the location and size of the inlet and outletorifices can be altered to achieve the desired flow rates, pressuredrops, and other flow characteristics through the volatile compositioncontainers 33 and 50. Example flow rates for non-limiting embodimentsare provided in Table 1 below. For the purposes of this example, and inaccordance with various embodiments, the high surface area material 64is centered in container with a 2 mm gap between the high surface areamaterial 64 and the inner wall of the volatile composition container 50to allow for air flow through the volatile composition container 50.

TABLE 1 Inlet orifice 56 Inlet orifice 18 Fan Supply Approximate innerinner diameter Volatile composition container 50 Voltage Fan speeddiameter/length and length size Flow rate 0.7 VDC V5500 RPM 2.5 mm ID/10mm Three 1 mm 14 mm × 14 mm × 54 mm long 5.7 ml/sec length diameterholes each .5 mm length 0.7 VDC 5500 RPM 2.5 mm ID/10 mm 2.5 mm ID/10 mm14 mm × 14 mm × 54 mm 5.1 ml/sec length length 0.7 VDC 5500 RPM 1.5 mmID/10 mm 1.5 mm ID/10 mm 14 mm × 14 mm × 54 mm 2.7 ml/sec length length1.1 VDC 94 00 RPM 2.5 mm ID/10 mm 2.5 mm ID/10 mm 14 mm × 14 mm × 54 mm13 ml/sec length length

In one non-limiting embodiment, the volatile composition container 50 ofthe replaceable unit 32 can comprise a plurality of inlet orifices 56and a single outlet orifice 18. In other embodiments, the replaceableunit 32 can comprise a single inlet orifice 56 and a plurality of outletorifices. In still other embodiments, the replaceable unit 32 cancomprise a plurality of inlet orifices 56 and a plurality of outletorifices 18. In one non-limiting embodiment, referring to FIG. 4, theinlet orifice 56 can be generally rectangular and located proximate to aside wall of the volatile composition container 50 and/or on the cap 46of the volatile composition container 50. In various embodiments,referring to FIG. 4A, if a volatile composition container 33 is employedto house the volatile composition, the volatile composition containercap 46 can be eliminated as the actuator 28 can deliver the air directlyto an inlet orifice 58 when the volatile composition container 33 ispositioned within the housing (not illustrated).

In various embodiments, however, the inlet orifices of the volatilecomposition containers 33 and 50 can include other shapes, such ascircular, elongate, square, triangular, for example, or other suitableshape configured to receive the volume of air from the actuator 28. Theinlet orifice 56 can also be located in other suitable locations on thevolatile composition container cap 46, such as centered or offset from acenterline (in a longitudinal direction) of volatile compositioncontainer 50. The inlet orifice 58 can also be located in other suitablelocations on the volatile composition container 33, such as centered oroffset from a centerline (in a longitudinal direction) of the volatilecomposition container 33. Furthermore, the diameter, perimeter, and/orlength of the outlet orifices, such as orifices 18 and 58, for example,can be sized, shaped, and/or configured to minimize pressure losses fromthe actuator 28 into the volatile composition container 33 or 50 and atleast inhibit evaporation of the volatile composition from the volatilecomposition containers 33 and 50. In various embodiments, the volume ofair forced through the volatile composition container 33 or 50 can causethe volatile composition dispenser 10 to dispense at least a portion ofthe volume of air and at least a portion of a vapor phase volatilecomposition situated within the volatile composition container 33 or 50through the outlet orifice 18 and to the interior atmosphere of thevehicle. In various embodiments, the interior atmosphere of the vehiclecan be a passenger compartment, a trunk, a storage space, an enclosedspace, and/or another space, for example.

In one non-limiting embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, when thereplaceable unit 32 is not attached to the housing 12, at least onecover 27 can be positioned over the inlet orifice 56 and/or the outletorifice 18 to at least inhibit diffusion of the volatile compositionfrom the volatile composition container 50 to an atmosphere surroundingthe volatile composition container 50. The cover 27 can comprise anysuitable material that is impermeable, or at least partiallyimpermeable, to the volatile composition or other solution orcomposition within the volatile composition container 50, for example.The at least one cover 27 can be removed by a user prior to the userattaching the replaceable unit 32 to the housing 12. In one non-limitingembodiment, the cover 27 can be an injection molded piece, for example,that can be attached over the various orifices using an adhesive. Invarious embodiments, the cover 27 may be a plug or insert that isreceived by the various orifices to inhibit diffusion. In otherembodiments, a separate cover, such as a piece of peel away tape, forexample, can be positioned over the inlet orifice 56 and/or the outletorifice 18 to again inhibit diffusion or leakage of the volatilecomposition. In other various embodiments, any other suitable type ofcover and/or orifice closure can be used to at least inhibit diffusionor leakage of the volatile composition from the volatile compositioncontainer 50 prior to use of the replaceable unit 32. Furthermore, ifthe replaceable unit 32 is attached to the housing 12 but not beingactively used, at least one cover can be positioned over the outletorifice 18 to prevent, or at least inhibit, diffusion of the volatilecomposition from the volatile composition container 50 of the volatilecomposition dispenser 10. In still other embodiments, the coversdescribed above can be eliminated and the various orifices can be sizedand shaped to at least partially inhibit diffusion or leakage of thevolatile composition, for example. Of course, similar covers can be usedwith the volatile composition container 33, as will be recognized bythose of skill in the art.

In various embodiments, the outlet orifice 18, any orifices on thevolatile composition container 33, and/or optionally the inlet orifice56, can be sized to at least inhibit molecular diffusion or leakage ofthe volatile composition through the orifices when the actuator 28 isnot forcing the vapor phase volatile composition out of the volatilecomposition container 50 or the volatile composition container 33. Inone non-limiting embodiment, a diameter of the various orifices can besized in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 6 mm, alternatively about 1mm to about 4 mm, alternatively about 1.5 mm to about 3.5 mm, andalternatively about 2 mm to about 3 mm, for example. In one non-limitingembodiment, each of the inlet orifices and outlet orifices can have across-sectional area in the range of about 0.008 cm² to about 0.50 cm²and, alternatively about 0.01 cm² to about 0.2 cm², for example. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the inlet orifice 56 can have a length of about0.3 mm to about 20 mm, and alternatively about 5 mm to about 10 mm. Inone non-limiting embodiment, the outlet orifice 18 can have a differentsize than the inlet orifice 56. In various embodiments, the volatilecomposition dispenser 10 can have a plurality of inlet and/or outletorifices, each with a different size, shape, geometry, and/orconfiguration. In other various embodiments, depending on the propertiesof the volatile composition being dispensed from the volatilecomposition dispenser 10, other orifice sizes and geometries can be usedand are within the scope of the present disclosure. In further variousembodiments, a plurality of orifices can be used in any suitableconfiguration to maximize and/or minimize the disbursement of the vaporphase volatile composition from the volatile composition container. Incertain embodiments, the sizes of the orifices can be at least partiallyrelated to the speed, such as the rotational speed, for example, of theactuator 28 in order to provide a desired flow rate through the volatilecomposition container 50 and/or the volatile composition container 33and a desired pressure drop within the volatile composition container 50and/or the volatile composition container 33. Non-limiting examples ofsuitable air flow rates are from about 2 cm³/second to about 20cm³/second or from about 5 cm³/second to about 15 cm³/second.

In general, when the actuator 28 is not forcing at least a portion ofthe vapor phase volatile composition through the outlet orifice 18, theoutlet orifice 18 can be considered to be “off”, or in a non-dispensingstate, because of the geometry, location, configuration, and/or the sizeof the outlet orifice 18, which is designed to minimize evaporativelosses of the volatile composition when “off”. In one non-limitingembodiment, the evaporative losses though the outlet orifice 18 maynever be completely eliminated, but generally may be less than about 10mg/hour, alternatively less than about 3 mg/hour, and alternatively lessthan about 1 mg/hour, and alternatively less than about 0.1 mg/hour. Invarious embodiments, the geometry, size, and/or shape of the variousorifices can be configured to yield a maximum mass flux of at least aportion of the volatile composition and a portion of the volume of airfor various operating conditions of the volatile composition dispenser10, while minimizing evaporative losses when the actuator 28 is not inan active state. This may be done, for example, by modeling the volatilecomposition container 50 and/or the volatile composition container 33 asa volume of ideal gas a mass flow governed by Bernoulli's equation, butmodified to include a discharge coefficient. In one non-limitingembodiment, Fick's law (Eq. 1) can be used to determine orifice sizingand/or the configuration of various diffusion-limiting aspects of thevolatile composition dispenser 10:

$\begin{matrix}{\overset{.}{m} = {K\left( \frac{D^{2}}{L} \right)}} & {{Eq}{.1}}\end{matrix}$

Where, K is the binary diffusion coefficient of the volatilecomposition, D is the orifice diameter, and L is the orifice length. Thecross-sectional area of the orifice can be the primary driver of theflow rate when the actuator 28 is actively moving air through theorifice, whereas evaporation losses of the volatile composition (e.g.,when the actuator 28 is in an inactive state) can be related to thecross-sectional area and the length of the orifice. Accordingly, anincrease in the cross-sectional area of the orifice can impact bothevaporation rates of the volatile composition and the flow rate, and anincrease in the length of the orifice can mainly impact the evaporationrates of the volatile composition. While the orifice configurations havebeen discussed with regard to the above embodiments, those of skill inthe art will understand, upon consideration of the present disclosure,that the orifice configurations can be applied to other variousembodiments in a similar fashion.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 4-5 and 10-16, the volatilecomposition container 50 can comprise the high surface area material 64.As illustrated in FIG. 4A, in some embodiments the high surface areamaterial 64 can be contained by the volatile composition container 33.As previously discussed, in various embodiments, the high surface areamaterial 64 can be received positioned within the volatile compositioncontainer 50. In other various embodiments, the high surface areamaterial 64 can be positioned within the volatile composition container33, and then the volatile composition container 33 is then received by aportion of a housing (not illustrated). The high surface area material64 can be a porous media and/or a wick, for example, configured tomaintain at least a portion of the volatile composition 49 in a liquidor a gel phase, for example. In various embodiments, the volatilecomposition 49 can be comprised of vaporizable materials comprising, butnot limited to, solids, liquids, gels, and/or encapsulates. In othervarious embodiments, the volatile composition container 50 can contain aliquid volatile composition in a separate container in contact (i.e.,liquid communication) with the high surface area material 64. In furthervarious embodiments, the volatile composition container 50 can comprisea liquid volatile composition contained behind a membrane designed toallow diffusion of the liquid volatile composition through the membraneand into a vapor phase, for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, thehigh surface area material 64 can be comprised of any materialcompatible with volatile compositions, including but not limited to,cotton, cellulose, and/or other natural fibers, synthetic fibers, suchas glass, polyester, nylon and/or polypropylene, sintered/fused porousglass, ceramic, and/or synthetic materials such as polyolefins. In suchembodiments, voids in the high surface area material 64 can be smallenough to retain the volatile compositions, yet can comprise asignificant portion of the volume of the high surface area material 64to allow for the volatile composition 49 to evaporate from the highsurface area material 64 to create a vapor phase volatile composition49′. In some instances, the voids in the high surface area material 64can comprise more than about 50% of the total volume of the high surfacearea material 64. In one non-limiting embodiment, the high surface areamaterial 64 can comprise a three dimensional shape to maximize thematerial's surface area and allow for maximum air flow around, andoptionally through, the high surface area material 64. For vehicleapplications, the high surface area material 64 can have a preferredsurface area of about 1 cm² to about 100 cm² or alternatively about 5cm² to about 50 cm², for example. The length of the high surface areamaterial 64 can be any suitable length that fits within the volatilecomposition container 50 or 33. In one non-limiting embodiment, thelength of the high surface area material 64 can be in the range of about5 mm to about 10 cm, for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, thehigh surface area material 64 is about 10 mm by about 10 mm by about 50mm. The three dimensional shape of the high surface area material 64 andthe air gap between the high surface area material 64 and the inner wall41 or 81 of the volatile composition container 50 or 33 can beconfigured to minimize a pressure drop of the volume air flow beingforced through the volatile composition container 50 or 33 and can beconfigured to maximize the evaporative surface area of the high surfacearea material 64, for example.

Example configurations of the high surface area material 64 can comprisea rectangular solid, a tube, a cylinder, a channel, and/or a passage; arectangular solid, a tube, a cylinder, a channel, and/or a passage withfins; and/or other stacks of fins similar to those used in heatexchanger designs, for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, the highsurface area material 64 can be positioned adjacent to an interior wallor surface of the volatile composition container 50 or the volatilecomposition container 33, or, in other embodiments, the high surfacearea material 64 can be maintained at a distance away from an interiorwall or surface of the volatile composition container 50 or the volatilecomposition container 33 using one or more projections, such asstandoffs, pegs, posts, ribs, extensions, elongate members, and/or pins,for example. It may be desirable for there to be a gap between the highsurface area material 64 and the inner wall 41 or surface of thevolatile composition container 33 or 50 wherein the gap may be fromabout 0.5 mm to about 3 mm or alternatively from about 1 mm to about 2.5mm. In various embodiments, the high surface area material 64 can be ofsufficient size to contain a desired amount of the volatile composition49 and, depending upon the materials selected and the configuration, thevolume of the high surface area material 64 can be larger than thevolume of the volatile composition 49 contained in the volatilecomposition container 50 or 33. In one example of a vehicle applicationof the volatile composition dispenser 10, the volatile compositioncontainer 50 and/or the volatile composition container 33 can have avolume of about 2 cm³ to about 25 cm³, and the high surface areamaterial 64 can have a volume of about 2 cm³ to about 20 cm³, to containabout 1 cm³ to about 10 cm³ of the volatile composition. In anothernon-limiting example embodiment, the volatile composition container 50or 33 can have a volume of about 2.5 cm³ to about 16 cm³ and the highsurface area material 64 can have a void volume of about 1.5 cm³ toabout 12 cm³, so as to contain about 1.5 ml to about 12 ml of thevolatile composition 49. In one non-limiting embodiment, the volatilecomposition container 50 can have dimensions of about 14 mm by about 14mm by about 54 mm.

In one non-limiting embodiment, referring to FIG. 11, the high surfacearea material 64 can have cross or “X” type cross-sectionalconfiguration that can comprise a body 66, a first leg 69 extending fromthe body 66 in a first direction, a second leg 70 extending from thebody 66 in a second direction, a third leg 72 extending from the body 66in a third direction, and a fourth leg 74 extending from the body 66 ina fourth direction. Of course, one or more of the legs can be optionalto create different cross-sectional configurations. In one non-limitingembodiment, the high surface area material 64 can have a first dimension76 of about 2 mm to about 5 mm and a second dimension 78 of about 5 mmto about 8 mm, for example. In various embodiments, the cross-sectionalconfiguration of the high surface area material 64 can be generally “I”shaped (FIG. 12), circular (FIG. 13), star shaped, or can comprise fins63 or other extensions (FIG. 14), for example. Such embodiments, canincrease the surface area of the material 64, while still providing aspace for the vapor phase composition to evaporate into. Of course, anyother suitable cross-sectional configuration can be used with and iswithin the scope of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, thecross-sectional area of the high surface area material 64 may varythroughout the length, or other dimension, of the high surface areamaterial 64. In one non-limiting embodiment, a first high surface areamaterial and at least a second high surface area material can bepositioned within the volatile composition container 50 or 33, forexample. The first material and at least the second material can bestacked on top of each other and separated by a gap, or can be placedend to end in the volatile composition container 50 or 33, for example.In certain embodiments, the volatile composition container 50 or 33and/or the high surface area material 64 can comprise at least onebaffle or other air flow devices configured to direct the air flowthrough the volatile composition container 50 or 33.

In one non-limiting embodiment, referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the highsurface area material 64 can be configured to provide a tortuous flowpath (indicated by arrows 80) for the volume of air passing into theinlet orifice 56 and out of the outlet orifice 18 through a space 86.The space 86 can be defined proximate to a surface 65 of the highsurface area material 64 and/or intermediate a surface of the highsurface area material 64 and a surface or inner wall 81 of the volatilecomposition container 50 or 33. In various embodiments, the flow path ofthe volume of air being forced or passed through the volatilecomposition container 50 or 33 can traverse, pass along, and/or passover at least a portion of the surfaces of the high surface areamaterial 64 containing a volatile composition 49. In other embodiments,the flow path of the volume of air can move in a direction parallel to,or substantially parallel to, at least a portion of the surfaces of thehigh surface area material 64, for example. In various embodiments, theflow path 80 can be directed through the high surface area material 64.Such flow paths can allow the volume of air to force the vapor phasevolatile composition 49′ out of the volatile composition container 50 or33 when the actuator provides the volume of air to the inlet 56.

As some volatile compositions tend to evaporate into a vapor phase toachieve a more equilibrium state, the high surface area material 64 canbe configured at least inhibit this evaporation and at least partiallymaintain a portion of the volatile composition 49 in a liquid phase, asemi-liquid phase, and/or a gel phase, to at least inhibit evaporationof the volatile composition and thereby at least inhibit diffusion ofthe vapor phase volatile composition 49′ from the volatile compositioncontainer 50 and/or the volatile composition container 33 prior to thedesired dispensing time. Additionally, the high surface area material 64can at least inhibit leakage of the liquid volatile composition 49 fromthe volatile composition container 50 or 33. In various embodiments, asthe volatile composition 49 transforms into its vapor phase over aperiod of time, the volume of the high surface area material 64 can bereduced, thereby providing more space in the volatile compositioncontainer 50 or 33 to receive the vapor phase volatile composition 49′.In one non-limiting embodiment, as the volume of air from the actuator28 enters the volatile composition container 50 through the inlet 56,the volume of air can mix with the vapor phase volatile composition 49′to cause a portion of the vapor phase volatile composition 49′ to beejected though the outlet orifice 18 and into the atmosphere of thevehicle, for example. In various embodiments, the outlet orifice 18 canbe in fluid communication with the space 86 within the volatilecomposition container 50 comprising the vapor phase volatilecomposition. In still other various embodiments, the space 86 can bedefined proximate to a surface 65 of the high surface area material 64and/or intermediate the surface 65 of the high surface area material anda surface or inner wall of the volatile composition container 33,depending on whether the volatile composition container 33 is providedin a particular embodiment. In one non-limiting embodiment, the outletorifice 18 can be located on a top portion and/or a side portion of thevolatile composition container 50 and in some embodiments a plurality ofoutlet orifices 18 can be provided. Any other suitable configurations ofthe outlet orifice 18, the high surface area material 64, and/or thespace 86 can be provided within the volatile composition container 50 or33.

In one non-limiting embodiment, referring to FIG. 10, the volatilecomposition container 50 can comprise one or more projections 84extending into the volatile composition container 50 from the inner wall81 or surface of the volatile composition container 50. The one or moreprojections 84 can engage a portion of the high surface area material 64in order to maintain the high surface area material 64 at a distanceaway from the inner wall 81 of the volatile composition container 50. Inone non-limiting embodiment, the high surface area material 64 cancomprise one or more slots (not illustrated) for receiving the one ormore projections 84 to aid in the positioning and securing of the highsurface area material 64 within the volatile composition container 50.In one non-limiting embodiment, the high surface area material 64comprises projections that are configured to engage inner wall 81. Bymaintaining the position of the high surface area material 64 at adistance away from the inner wall 81, a space 86 formed intermediate theinner wall 81 and the high surface area material 64 can becomesaturated, or at least partially saturated, with the vapor phasevolatile composition 49′, as the liquid volatile composition 49 withinhigh surface area material 64 evaporates. In various embodiments, theone or more projections 84 can extend lengthwise about the inner wall 81of the volatile composition container 50, while in other variousembodiments, the one or more projections 84 can extend crosswise acrossthe inner wall 81 of the volatile composition container 50. In otherembodiments, the one or more projections can be positioned on the innerwall 81 in any other suitable configuration. As will be appreciated bythose of skill in the art, after consideration of the presentdisclosure, various configurations of the high surface area material 64may not require the use of one or more projections 84. In variousembodiments, the one or more projections 84 can serve as baffles todirect the flow of the volume of air. Furthermore, in variousembodiments, the one or more projections 84 can comprise pegs, ribs,posts, standoffs, elongate members, and/or pins, for example, which canserve to position the high surface area material 64 within the volatilecomposition container 50. In still other various embodiments, the highsurface area material 64 can comprise features extending from the highsurface area material 64 that enable a surface of the high surface areamaterial 64 to be maintained at a distance away from the inner wall 81of the volatile composition container 50. Such features of the highsurface area material 64 can be used independent of or in conjunctionwith the one or more projections 84.

In various embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 10A, the volatilecomposition container 33 can also comprise one or more projections 84used to position the high surface material 64 within the volatilecomposition container 33. Such projections 84 can extend from the innerwall 41 of the volatile composition container 33 and engage a portion ofthe high surface area material 64 to maintain the portion of the highsurface area material 64 at a distance away from the inner wall 41. Thispositioning can allow a space 86 to be created between the inner wall 41of the volatile composition container 33 and the high surface material64 containing the volatile composition 49′. The space 86 can beconfigured to receive a vapor phase volatile composition 49′ uponevaporation of the volatile composition 49. Similar to that discussedabove with reference to FIG. 10, the high surface area material 64within the volatile composition container 33 can also comprise featuresthat enable a surface of the high surface area material 64 to bemaintained at a distance away from the inner wall 41 of the volatilecomposition container 33. In other various embodiments, depending on theconfiguration of the high surface area material, such as the examplehigh surface area material configurations of FIGS. 11 and 12, the one ormore projections 84 can be optional. In still other various embodiments,again dependent on the configuration of the high surface material, anysuitable number of projections 84 can be used. As will be appreciated byone skilled in the art after consideration of the present disclosuresome types of configurations of the high surface area material 64, suchas an “X” type cross-sectional configuration, may not require the use ofprojections within the container 50 or 33. With an “X” typecross-sectional configuration (FIG. 11), for example, the legs 69, 70,72, and 74 may each engage the inner wall 81 of the container 50 or 33to maintain the positioning of the high surface area material 64 whileallowing for proper air flow through the container 50 or 33.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, the actuator 28can comprise any suitable actuator or components configured to produceand/or intermittently move a volume of air through the volatilecomposition container 50 and/or portions of the volatile compositiondispenser 10. In one non-limiting embodiment, the actuator 28 cancomprise a fan assembly 100 comprising a motor 102. The motor 102 cancomprise a drive shaft 101. The actuator 28 can be configured to produceand intermittently move the volume of air and provide the same to theinlet orifice 56 of the volatile composition container 50. In variousembodiments, an actuator outlet 104 of the actuator 28 can be positionedproximate to the inlet orifice 56 of the volatile composition container50 to place the actuator outlet 104 and the inlet orifice 56 in fluidcommunication. In one non-limiting embodiment, an intermediate structurecan be positioned between the inlet orifice 56 and the actuator outlet104, such as a bulkhead 110, for example. The bulkhead 110 can define abulkhead orifice 112 configured to allow the volume of air to travelfrom the actuator outlet 104 to the inlet orifice 56. The bulkhead 110can be configured to protect or isolate the various internal componentsof the housing 12 when the replaceable unit 32 is not attached. Theorifices 104, 112, and 56 can be designed to minimize pressure and/orflow losses, for example. In various embodiments, a one-way valve can bepositioned intermediate the actuator outlet 104 and the inlet orifice 56to regulate the flow of the volume of air into the volatile compositioncontainer 50. In various embodiments, a one-way valve can be positionedintermediate the outlet orifice 18 and the atmosphere outside thevolatile composition dispenser 10 to regulate the flow of the volume ofair and the vapor phase volatile composition 49′ out of the volatilecomposition container 50. As will be appreciated by those of skill inthe art, after consideration of the present disclosure, if a one-wayvalve is used proximate to the inlet orifice 56 and/or outlet orifice18, in various embodiments, the length of these orifices may be reducedand/or the cross sectional area of the inlet orifice and/or outletorifice may be increased.

Further to the above, in various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 6 and7, the fan assembly 100 can comprise a fan housing 114, a fan housingcover 116, a rotatable hub 118, and at least two fan blades 120extending from the rotatable hub 118 or otherwise attached to or formedwith the rotatable hub. In one non-limiting embodiment, the diameter ofthe rotatable hub 118 can be about 8 mm to about 20 mm, for example. Thefan assembly 100 can define a fan inlet 124. The drive shaft 101 can beoperably engaged with the rotatable hub 118 such that rotation of thedrive shaft 101 by the motor 102 rotates the rotatable hub 118 andthereby rotates the at least two fan blades 120. In one non-limitingembodiment, the fan assembly 100 can be a centrifugal (i.e., radial)fan. Each blade 120 can comprise an air forcing surface 122 that ispositioned in a direction parallel to, or substantially parallel to, anaxis of rotation of the rotatable hub 118 (illustrated as axis “A”.) Inone non-limiting embodiment, an electrical current can be provided tothe motor 102 via electrically conductive leads or terminal (notillustrated) to rotate the rotatable hub 118 in a direction indicated byarrow 126. Such rotation can cause a volume of air to be drawn into thefan housing 114 through the fan inlet 124. With a centrifugal fanconfiguration, the air flowing through the fan assembly 100 can be drawnthrough the fan inlet 124 and forced in a radial direction relative tothe drive shaft 101. In other embodiments, the volume of air can bedrawn from the atmosphere outside of the volatile composition dispenser10 through any suitable passageway, such as at the interface between thetop shell 15 and the bottom shell 17 or through an orifice on thehousing 12, for example. The rotation of the at least two fan blades 120can force the volume of air out of the fan housing 114 through theactuator outlet 104 and into the inlet orifice 56 of the volatilecomposition container 50. In various embodiments, the at least two fanblades 120 can be arcuate (as illustrated), straight, and/or can havecurved, straight, and/or arcuate portions. Additionally, the at leasttwo fan blades 120 can have various cross-sectional shapes, such as anairfoil shape or a tapered shape, for example. As will be appreciated bythose of skill in the art, after consideration of the presentdisclosure, a centrifugal fan can provide high efficiency withrelatively small dimensions, and changes in pressure may have littleinfluence on pressure head drops through the volatile compositioncontainer 50. In various non-limiting embodiments, the fan may producepressures in the range of about 3 Pascals to about 20 Pascals oralteratively from about 5 Pascals to about 15 Pascals.

In one non-limiting embodiment, the motor 102 can be a MabuchiRF-J20WA-5Z145 motor that rotates the drive shaft 101 at about 6200revolutions per minute when 0.7 VDC is supplied to the motor 102 fromthe power source 38 and rotates the driveshaft 104 at about 9400revolutions per minute when 1.0 VDC is supplied to the motor 102 fromthe power source 38. In various embodiments, the flow rate of the volumeof air generated by the motor 102 can be in the range of about 1.0 toabout 8.0 mL/sec at about 0.7 VDC to about 6.0 to about 16.0 mL/sec at1.0 VDC, depending upon the cross sectional area of the inlet orifice 56and the outlet orifice 18. By supplying various voltage levels to themotor 102, the rotational speed of the drive shaft 101 and the resultantflow rate of the volume of air can be varied. Any other suitable motorcan also be used with the fan assembly 100, such as a Sunon UB393-10 fanassembly, for example. Additionally, the controller 30 can supply themotor 102 with voltage using any suitable technique known to those ofskill in the art. In various embodiments, a pulse width modulationtechnique can be used to provide voltage to the motor 102 over aspecified range, such as about 0.7 VDC to about 1.0 VDC, for example.Additional circuitry or components, such as an analog-to-digitalconverter, can be used to compensate for various factors, such as thepower source voltage and the ambient temperature, for example. In orderto isolate or limit vibration due to the rotation of the drive shaft 101and/or the rotatable hub 118, vibration suppression devices ortechniques can be used, such as silicon or thermoplastic elastomeric fansupports, for example, and/or the use of a gasket at the interface ofthe replaceable unit 32 and the housing 12.

In various embodiments, the controller 30 can be positioned inelectrical communication with the actuator 28, such that the controller30 can instruct the actuator 28 when to activate and which speed torotate in order to force the volume of air through the volatilecomposition container 50. In one non-limiting embodiment, the controller30 can be any suitable type of controller, such as a microcontroller,for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, the controller 30 can be aTexas Instruments MSP430F2132 controller, for example. In variousembodiments, the controller 30 can comprise one or more user inputbuttons or switches 26 configured to provide an input signal to thecontroller 30 when depressed by a user, such that the controller 30 cansend corresponding output signals to the actuator 28 and/or the userfeedback module 16, for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, thevarious user input buttons or switches 26 can comprise a power on/offswitch configured to power on or power off the volatile compositiondispenser 10 and at least one volatile composition dose amount buttonconfigured to allow the user to adjust the amount of volatilecomposition dispensed by the volatile composition dispenser 10. As willbe appreciated, the input buttons or switches 26 can be any combinationof buttons and/or switches, such as push buttons, sliders, dials, knobs,for example. In various embodiments, the amount of the volatilecomposition dispensed over a predetermined time interval can becontrolled by adjusting the rate at which the actuator 28 is activatedby the controller 30 (i.e., by adjusting the time period the actuator 28is active and the time period the actuator 28 is inactive), by adjustingthe speed at which the air is moved when the actuator 28 is active(i.e., by adjusting the rotational speed by adjusting the voltage to themotor 102), and/or by a combination of both techniques. In onenon-limiting embodiment, the volatile composition dispenser 10 can havea “boost” button for delivering a dose of the volatile composition tothe atmosphere of the vehicle on demand. For example, if the boostbutton is depressed or otherwise activated, the actuator 28 can beactivated for a specified time period, such as 30 to 60 seconds or at aspecified rotational speed, for example.

In various embodiments, the controller 30 can also be in electricalcommunication with a temperature sensor configured to sense thetemperature within the interior atmosphere of the vehicle, for example,and a motion sensor configured to determine whether the vehicle is inmotion. In various embodiments, the temperature sensor can send a signalto the controller 30 indicative of the temperature of the vehicle, suchthat the controller 30 can provide an output signal to the actuator 28,or other various components of the volatile composition dispenser 10,indicative of a volatile composition dosing amount for a particulartemperature and/or temperature range. For example, higher temperatureranges may require greater dose amounts than lower temperature ranges toachieve the desired result. In one non-limiting embodiment, the motiondetector can send a signal to the controller 30 indicative of whetherthe vehicle is in motion, such that the controller 30 can adjust thevolatile composition dosing amount appropriately by instructing theactuator 28 accordingly. If the vehicle is not in motion, the volatilecomposition dosing amount can be reduced or, in other variousembodiments, the volatile composition dispenser 10 can remain inactive,for example. As a result, the volatile composition dispenser 10 can bepower efficient such that it can maximize the life of the power source38, for example. In various embodiments, if the vehicle is moving, theappropriate volatile composition dosing amount can continue to bedispensed in an intermittent or periodic fashion to inhibit useracclimation to the volatile composition. In such an embodiment, thevolatile composition dispenser 10 can be activated for 1-30 seconds, forexample, and then be inactive for 10-200 seconds, for example. In othervarious embodiments, the volatile composition dispenser 10 can be set bya user to provide a desired intermittent dosing amount.

In various embodiments, the controller 30 can also be in communicationwith an air flow sensor, a volatile composition concentration sensor,and/or a timer. In one non-limiting embodiment, the air flow sensor canbe configured to determine the air flow rate within the interioratmosphere of the vehicle. In such an embodiment, the air flow sensorcan send a signal indicative of the air flow rate to the controller 30,such that the controller can provide a volatile composition dosinginstruction to the actuator 28 corresponding to the air flow rate withinthe atmosphere of the vehicle. The air flow sensor can also be used todetect the air circulation within the interior atmosphere of the vehicleand/or whether one or more windows are down, for example, to determinehow many air exchanges are taking place in the interior atmosphere ofthe vehicle over a particular interval of time. This information canthen be correlated to a volatile composition dosing amount. In variousembodiments, the concentration sensor can sense the concentration of thevolatile composition within the interior atmosphere of the vehicle.Similar to the air flow sensor, the concentration sensor can send asignal indicative of the concentration of the volatile composition inthe interior atmosphere of the vehicle to the controller 30, such thatthe controller 30 can adjust the volatile composition dosing amountaccording to the concentration of the atmosphere of the vehicle. Invarious embodiments, the timer can be configured to send a signal to thecontroller 30, after a predetermined time interval, to indicate to thecontroller 30 that a volatile composition dose needs to be provided bythe dispenser 10. In various embodiments, at least two of the air flowsensor, the temperature sensor, the motion sensor, the concentrationsensor, and the timer can be used in conjunction with each other toinstruct the volatile composition dispenser 10 to dispense anappropriate volatile composition dose amount to the interior atmosphereof the vehicle, for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, thevolatile composition dispenser 10 can also comprise a volatilecomposition sensor configured to sense information regarding the amountand type of the volatile composition 49 within volatile compositiondispenser 10 and relay the same information to the controller 30 forprocessing.

In various embodiments, the control technique or approach for theactuator 28 can be at least based on characteristics of the high surfaceare material 64, the volatile composition, and/or the volatilecomposition container 50. In various embodiments, the control techniqueor approach for the actuator 28 can be at least based on characteristicsof the volatile composition container 33. Volatile compositions withlower vapor pressures will likely evaporate slower than volatilecompositions with higher vapor pressures. In various embodiments, theactuator 28 may not be activated until the space 86 within the volatilecomposition container 50 has reached full saturation or near fullsaturation of vapor phase volatile composition 49′. In one non-limitingembodiment, the deactivation time period of the actuator 28 can berelated to the time period necessary for the volatile composition 49 toevaporate and saturate, or at least partially saturate, the space 86with the vapor phase volatile composition 49′. In one non-limitingembodiment, the activation time period of the actuator 28 can be relatedto the time period necessary to expel substantially all of the vaporphase volatile composition 49′ from the of the volatile compositioncontainer 50 into the atmosphere of the vehicle. Once the vapor has beenexpelled from the volatile composition container 50, the actuator 28 canbe placed in an inactive state to again allow a portion of the volatilecomposition 49 to enter the vapor phase. As will be appreciated by thoseof skill in the art, for a particular volatile composition, volatilecomposition containers with a relatively greater volume of the space 86may require a longer time period to achieve the desired saturationlevels, while volatile composition containers with a relatively lesservolume of the space 86 may require a shorter time period to achieve thedesired saturation levels. Furthermore, as the level of the volatilecompound 49 and/or the size of the high surface area material 64decreases over time, the time period necessary for saturation, orpartial saturation, may increase. The controller 30 can factor thesecharacterizations when determining the various control techniques forthe actuator 28. In one non-limiting embodiment, the time periodrequired to achieve vapor phase volatile composition saturation can beless than about 5 seconds, for example. Formulations with higher vaporpressures may evaporate into a vapor phase at a faster rate thanformulations with lower vapor pressures. Therefore, formulations withhigher vapor pressures may reach equilibrium faster than formulationswith lower vapor pressures.

By activating the actuator 28 for a period of time equal to, orapproximately equal to, the amount to time necessary to expel at leastmost of the vapor phase volatile composition 49′, the lifetime of thepower source 38 can be optimized. Through control of the actuator 28,maximum vapor phase volatile composition 49′ release can be achievedwith a minimum amount of actuator running time. In various embodiments,the sequencing or pattern of activator actuation, or the flow rate ofthe volume of air produced by the actuator 28, can be adjusted to allowfull or near full saturation of the volatile composition within thespace for maximizing the vapor phase volatile composition release. Inone non-limiting embodiment, the actuator 28 can be activated for about1-10 seconds and then deactivated for about 1-10 seconds, for example.

In various embodiments, the duration of activation of the actuator 28 orthe flow rate of the volume of air provided by the actuator 28 can beincreased to provide a higher intensity of volatile compositionexpulsion from the volatile composition dispenser 10. The actuator 28can be actuated for about 10-60 seconds and then deactivated for about10-300 seconds, for example. By providing a period of time betweenconsecutive activations of the actuator 28, a user is more likely tonotice a scent of the volatile composition 49 again and hence avoidhabituation. The use of the higher intensity expulsion also, in variousembodiments, allows the volatile organic compositions (VOCs) present inthe vehicle, and other background volatiles, such as malodors, forexample, to be at least partially overcome. In one non-limitingembodiment, a typical vehicle may have VOCs that range between 10 and1000 parts/per/billion. Some newer vehicle may have VOCs that are in theparts/per/million level. As may be appreciated by those skilled in theart, the level of VOCs present in the vehicle may be dependent on anumber of factors, such as ambient temperature, for example. In somecircumstances, VOCs in the atmosphere of a vehicle may interfere withthe sensorial detection of fragrances released into the air by the humannose. Accordingly, pulsing a higher level of the vapor phase volatilecomposition 49′ into the atmosphere of the vehicle may allow a user tomore strongly detect the vapor phase volatile composition 49′. In onenon-limiting embodiment, actuating the actuator 28 for 10-60 seconds canallow the vapor phase volatile composition 49′ to be more noticeable andproviding a delay of about 10-300 seconds can allow the concentration todrop, allowing the user or passenger to more strongly notice the nextexpulsion. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art,different pulsing frequencies and/or different air flow rates can beused to deliver different scent experiences, for example.

Table 2 provides example non-limiting activation patterns of theactuator 28.

TABLE 2 Actuator Actuator Inactive Active Time Example Duty Cycles TimePeriod Period High (50% duty cycle) (may be more efficient for  1 sec  1sec volatile composition release but may use more power due to frequentactivation and deactivation of the actuator) High (50% duty cycle) (maybe less efficient for volatile 10 sec 10 sec composition release but maynot use as much power due to activation and deactivation of theactuator) High (50% duty cycle) (may be less efficient for volatile 30sec 30 sec composition release but may create a stronger pulse offragrance to drive more volatile composition noticeably into theatmosphere of the vehicle with a larger gap between pulses to deprivethe scent and then provide the scent again) Medium (25% duty cycle)  3sec  1 sec Medium (33% duty cycle 40 sec 20 sec Low (10% duty cycle) 90sec 10 sec Low (10% duty cycle)  9 sec  1 sec Very Low (5% duty cycle)190 sec  10 sec Very Low (5% duty cycle) 95 sec  5 sec

In various embodiments, the release rate of a volatile composition 50from the volatile composition dispenser 10 can be about 0.5-12 mg/hour,alternatively about 1.0-8.0 mg/hour, or alternatively about 2.0-4.0mg/hour for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, a high surface areamaterial 64 having dimensions of about 10 mm×10 mm×50 mm is containedwithin the volatile composition container 50 or 33. In this embodiment,the high surface area material 64 is an absorbent polyolefin fiber,available from Filtrona Porous Technologies (D4507B). As may beappreciated, however, other suitable materials may be used. In thisembodiment, the high surface area material 64 is loaded with 4 grams ofa volatile composition 49, such as Benzyl Aceatate, for example. In thisembodiment, the volatile composition 49 has a vapor pressure of 190 Paat 20° C. As may be appreciated, other volatile compositions may have avariety of vapor pressures. In this embodiment, with inlet and outletorifice dimensions of 2.5 mm diameter and 10 mm long, the release rateof the volatile composition 49 from the volatile composition dispenser10 is about 3.5 mg/hour when the actuator 28 runs at a 20% duty cycle(30 seconds on/120 seconds off) at 0.7 VDC at an ambient temperature of70° F. In such an embodiment, the air flow rate through the volatilecomposition container 50 may be about 5.5 cm³/sec. In one non-limitingembodiment, the release rate of the volatile composition 49 from thevolatile composition dispenser 10 is about 5 mg/hour when the actuator28 runs at a 20% duty cycle (30 seconds on/120 seconds off) at 1.0 VDCat an ambient temperature of 70° F. In such an embodiment, the air flowrate through the volatile composition container 50 may be about 12cc/sec. Comparatively, the release rate of the volatile composition 49may be about 16 mg/hour and about 24 mg/hour when the actuator 28 runsat a 100% duty cycle at 0.7 VDC and 1.0 VDC, respectively, at an ambienttemperature of 70° F. While an operation duty cycle of 100% for anextended period of time may decrease the level of the power in the powersource 38, in various embodiments, the actuator may operate at a highduty cycle, such as 100%, for a relatively short period of time, such asless than about 30 seconds, or less than about 10 seconds. In theseembodiments, such operation (i.e., a “boost” operation), can be used totemporarily increase the release rate of the volatile compositiondispenser 10 to overcome a malodor or overcome the lack of fragrancenoticeably, which may be caused, in part, by the presence of VOC's asdescribed previously.

In various embodiments, the volatile composition dispenser 10 cancomprise a user feedback module 16 configured to provide feedback to theuser regarding the status of the volatile composition dispenser 10. Inone non-limiting embodiment, the user feedback module 16 can be used toalert the user of a property of the volatile composition dispenser 10.In such embodiments, the feedback can be visual and/or audible and canindicate to the user, among other things, whether the volatilecomposition dispenser 10 is powered on, what volatile composition dosingamount is being dispensed, the power level of the power source 38, theamount, type, or level of the volatile composition 49 within thevolatile composition container 50, and/or any other suitable feedbackhelpful or beneficial to the user. In various embodiments, referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the user feedback module 16 can comprise one or more oneindicators 42, such as a plurality of light sources, for example,electrically coupled to the controller 30 and/or to the power source 38,and a translucent portion 43 in the housing 12, such that the one ormore indicators 42 can be viewed by the user though the housing 12. Inone non-limiting embodiment, the one or more indicators 42 can beoriented in any suitable fashion such that various lights of the one ormore indicators 42 can emit visible light through the translucentportion 43 of the housing 12, depending on what type of feedback isbeing provided to the user. In one non-limiting embodiment, thetranslucent portion 43 of the housing 12 can comprise any suitable shapeand the one or more indicators 42 can be arranged in a similar shape sothat as one indicator, such as a light source, for example, is poweredor unpowered, the user is provided with a first feedback and, as two ormore light sources are powered or unpowered, the user is provided withat least a second feedback and so forth. In one non-limiting embodiment,at least one button 26 is at least partially translucent allowing forone or more indicators 42 to be viewable through the button 26.

In various embodiments, the replaceable unit 32 can comprise any numberof containers, each container comprising a different, slightlydifferent, or the same volatile composition. In other variousembodiments, the replaceable unit 32 can comprise multiple chamberstherein, each chamber comprising a different, slightly different, or thesame volatile composition, for example. In one non-limiting embodiment,each volatile composition can comprise a different, slightly different,or the same vapor pressure range, for example. This feature can beuseful when a user wants to dispense a first dose amount of a firstvolatile composition and a second dose amount of a second volatilecomposition, for example. In an instance in which more than one volatilecompound is within one container or chamber of a container, the volatilecomposition with the higher vapor pressure range may transform from aliquid phase, a semi-liquid, and/or a gel phase into a vapor phase priorto the volatile composition with the lower vapor pressure rangetransforming into a vapor phase. In this circumstance, the volatilecomposition with the higher vapor pressure range would likely bedispensed first, while the volatile composition with the lower vaporpressure range would likely be dispensed second. In various embodiments,where different volatile compositions with different vapor pressureranges are in separate containers or chambers, the different volatilecompositions can be dispensed from their respective containerssimultaneously, for example. As a result, various volatile compositionscan be dispensed from the volatile composition dispenser 10 to create amixture of scents, for example, if the volatile composition is afragrance.

Further to the above, in various embodiments, the multiple volatilecomposition containers can be positioned in series, in parallel, and/orin any other suitable configuration. In one non-limiting embodiment,referring to FIG. 17, where the multiple volatile composition containersare positioned in series, the volume of air from the actuator 28 canenter a first container 204. The container 204 may contain a firstvolatile composition 200 and dispense a vapor phase of first volatilecomposition 200′ from the first container 204. A portion of the volumeof air can then enter a second container 206 containing a secondvolatile composition 202 and dispense a vapor phase of second volatilecomposition 202′ from the second container 206, for example. In variousembodiments, referring to FIG. 18, when the multiple volatilecomposition containers are positioned in parallel, the volume of air canbe split between a first passageway 208′ leading to the first container204′ and a second passageway 208″ leading to the second container 206.In such a configuration, the first and second containers 204 and 206 canbe configured to simultaneously provide a volatile composition dose ofthe vapor phase of the volatile composition 200′ and 202′, respectively,for example. In various embodiments, a selectable switch and/or a valve209 can be used to direct the volume of air into one, or some, of thecontainers instead of other containers to allow a user the ability toconfigure the volatile composition dispenser 10 to provide a particularvolatile composition dose or a combination of volatile composition dosesfor a particular situation. Stated another way, the user could dose afirst volatile composition 200, or fragrance, in a first situation and,dose a second volatile composition 202, or fragrance, in a secondsituation, for example. In various embodiments, the selectable valve 209can be controlled by a member, a button, and/or a switch on the housing12, for example. FIGS. 17 and 18 are merely for illustrative purposes,in that ideally the flow paths from the actuator 28 to the containers204 and 206 are short in length and relatively large in diameter tominimize flow and pressure losses.

In various embodiments, FIG. 19 illustrates a circuit diagram for thevolatile composition dispenser 10. In one non-limiting embodiment, thepower source 38 can provide power to the controller 30. In such anembodiment, the power source 38 can also provide an electrical signal tothe controller 30 indicative of a power level of the power source 38,for example. In various embodiments, a temperature sensor, an air flowsensor, a concentration sensor, a motion sensor, and a timer, forexample, can be in electrical communication with the controller 30 suchthat each sensor can send various signals to the controller 30indicative of the temperature of the interior atmosphere of the vehicle,the air flow within the interior atmosphere of the vehicle, the volatilecomposition concentration within the interior atmosphere of the vehicle,whether the vehicle is in motion, and/or the time lapse since the lastdose of the volatile composition was provided by the volatilecomposition dispenser 10 to the interior atmosphere of the vehicle. Inone non-limiting embodiment, the controller 30 can then interpret thesignals received from the various sensors and can instruct the actuator28 and optionally the user feedback module 16 accordingly. In such anembodiment, the user feedback module 16 can be in electricalcommunication with the controller 30 and can be configured to receive anoutput indicative of various properties of the vehicle sensed by thesensors and/or provided by the power source 38, for example. In variousembodiments, the actuator 28 can be in electrical communication with thecontroller 30 to receive electrical power and/or intermittent electricalpower from the controller 30. In one non-limiting embodiment, theswitches 26 can also be in electrical communication with the controller30 such that when the user depresses or activates one or more switches26, a signal can be sent to the controller 30 indicative of the user'sinput. Those of skill in the art, upon consideration of the presentdisclosure, will understand that this circuit is merely an exampleconfiguration and, therefore, other various suitable circuitconfigurations can be used and are within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

With some volatile compositions (for instance those comprisingfragrances) it may be helpful to adjust the fan speed, frequency of runtime, or on/off time to compensate for the changing volatile compositionformulation as high vapor pressure volatile composition raw materialswill evaporate more quickly than low vapor pressure raw materials. Inthis case it may optionally be desirable to have the controller operatethe fan more frequently as the volatile composition is evaporated over aperiod of many days. For instance in one non-limiting example, the fancould run at 10% duty cycle for the first 10 days of usage but thenslowly increase up to about 30% to about 40% duty cycle from days 11 upto 60 days. In this way the fan frequency or duration can be increasedto compensate for potentially a decline in fragrance intensity. Byadjusting for the age, it is possible to deliver a more consistent scentintensity even as the fragrance amount and mixture of high to low vaporpressure components is changing with time. Further as the replaceableunit 32 or 32′ or 232 ages, the controller 30 or 230 could also use amotion detector to know when a user is operating the vehicle and couldthen adjust the fan operating conditions differently for when thevehicle is in operation versus when the vehicle is in a parked conditionfor several minutes or hours.

One non-limiting example of a means of keeping track of run time of thereplaceable unit 32 or 32′ or 232 is to monitor the voltage of thebattery associated with the replaceable unit 32 or 32′ or 232. Forinstance, a new AA battery may be 1.60 Volts to about 1.65 Volts while aAA battery that was used for thirty days might have a voltage of about1.2 Volts to about 1.45 Volts. By monitoring the voltage of the battery,the controller 30 or 230 can recognize the life of the replaceable unit32 or 32′ or 232 and can adjust operating conditions to deliver aconsistent scent experience over the life of the replaceable unit 32 or32′ or 232.

Another non-limiting example of a means to monitor time, is to start atimer when the replaceable unit 32 or 32′ or 232 is inserted and to keeptrack of hours/minutes that the fan has operated. As mentioned above,the fan time could be adjusted as the product ages to deliver a moreconsistent scent experience.

In the instance where the battery voltage or run time is viewed as theindicator of the full life of the replaceable unit 32 or 32′ or 232, thecontroller 30 or 230 could be programmed to provide a signal to the usersuch as turning on a red light or provide a flashing light to indicatethat the replaceable unit 32 or 32′ or 232 is empty and/or needs to bereplaced.

In various embodiments, referring to FIGS. 20-22, a volatile compositiondispenser 210 can comprise a housing 212 comprising a top shell 215 anda bottom shell 217. When the top shell 215 and bottom shell 217 arejoined together, they can define a cavity 214. In various embodiments,the volatile composition dispenser 210 can comprise a clip 213 and areplaceable unit 232. The replaceable unit 232 can comprise an optionaldividing wall 254. The replaceable unit 232 can comprise a power source252, a lead 251, a volatile composition container 250 sealed with avolatile composition container cap 246. A high surface area material 264can be positioned within the volatile composition container 250, or thehigh surface area material can be in a separate container that isreceived within the volatile composition container 250, similar to thepreviously discussed embodiments. As with previous embodiments, theseparate container can be attached to or bundled with a power source238. As shown illustrated in FIG. 21, with the housing 212 removed forillustration purposes, the volatile composition dispenser 210 cancomprise similar internal components as those discussed above withrespect to other various embodiments, such as an actuator 228, acontroller 230, a motor 202, and/or a button assemblies or switches 226.In various embodiments, the volatile composition dispenser 210 maycomprise a user feedback module comprising at least one indicatorcomprising a plurality of light sources and/or a translucent portion inthe housing 212. In one non-limiting embodiment, the button assembly 226can comprise at least a translucent portion configured to allow a lightsource, or plurality of light sources positioned within the cavity 214,to illuminate the button 226. As will be appreciated, different colorsof lights, or blinking patterns, can be employed to convey variousinformation to the user. For example, certain light patterns and/orconfigurations can denote the dose amount, the dose frequency, the powerlevel of the power source 238, and/or the volatile composition level,for example. In one non-limiting embodiment, the volatile compositiondispenser 210 can comprise a holder 211. The holder 211 can have atleast one latch 236, or other connection device, to secure the holder211 to the housing 212. The volatile composition dispenser 210 maycomprise a bottom pan 216. When the holder 211 and the bottom pan 216are positioned and/or slid over the replaceable unit 232, and the holder211 is secured to the housing 212, the replaceable unit 232 can bemaintained in a proper orientation and/or position in relation to thehousing 212. When the user wishes to exchange the replaceable unit 232,the holder 211 can be detached from the housing 212 to allow for removalof the replaceable unit 232. As will be appreciated by those of skill inthe art upon consideration of the present disclosure, the holder 211 andthe bottom pan 216 can comprise any suitable configuration for securingthe replaceable unit 232 to the housing 212, such as a sleeve, a strap,and/or a buckle, for example. In various embodiments, the bottom pan 216may be eliminated and/or can be formed with the holder 211, for example.The holder 211 can maintain the placement of the replaceable unit 232relative to the actuator 228 and power source 238 during use. Thereplaceable unit 232 can have at least one outlet orifice 218. Thesizing, geometry, and/or configuration of the orifice 218 can bedetermined similar to the configuration considerations provided for theoutlet orifice 18 discussed above. In one non-limiting embodiment, theholder 211 can comprise one or more orifices 223 to allow for thevolatile composition contained within the volatile composition container250 to be expelled from the volatile composition dispenser 210 duringoperation. In one non-limiting embodiment, an additional orifice can beprovided proximate to where the clip 213 interfaces with the bottomshell 217 to allow air to travel from the atmosphere surrounding thedispenser 210 into the dispenser 210 and into the actuator 228.

Similar to the volatile composition container 50 discussed above, invarious embodiments, the volatile composition container 250 can comprisea high surface area material, such as a porous material and/or a wick,for example, and a space configured to receive a vapor phase volatilecomposition therein. In various embodiments, similar to the one or moreprojections 84 illustrated in FIG. 10, a side wall 255 can comprise oneor more projections, such as continuous or non-continuous ribs, elongatemembers, pins, for example, extending therefrom and configured tomaintain the material in place within the volatile composition container250, for example. In various embodiments, the high surface area material264 may comprise projections. In various embodiments, similar topreviously discussed embodiments, the one or more projections can allowthe volume of air to pass between them and the material. The operationof the dispenser 210 can be similar in nature to the embodimentspreviously discussed. In various embodiments, the replaceable unit 32′can also be used with this embodiment.

The present disclosure, in part, can comprise a method of dispensing avolatile composition comprising providing a replaceable unit comprisinga power source and a volatile composition container comprising avolatile composition. The method can further comprise providing a fan,such as a centrifugal fan, for example, powered by the power source andin fluid communication with the volatile composition container andevaporating a portion of the volatile composition within the volatilecomposition container. The method can also comprise using thecentrifugal fan to intermittently force a volume of air at leastpartially through the volatile composition container to expel at leastmost of the evaporated portion of the volatile composition from thevolatile composition container. As provided, when the volatilecomposition and/or the power source has been depleted, the volatilecomposition and/or the power source can be replaced. In someembodiments, a bundle comprising a volatile composition containercontaining a volatile composition and a power source is provided. Thebundle can be inserted into a shell and attached to the housing and/or aportion of the housing (not illustrated). In some embodiments, avolatile composition and a power source can be provided that eachseparately can be placed into a shell and attached to the housing orinserted into a portion of the housing (not illustrated). In someembodiments, a shell containing a volatile composition and a powersource can be provided to the user that attaches directly to thehousing. In some embodiments, a volatile composition and a power sourcecan be provided to the user and placed directly in the housing. In otherembodiments, other suitable configurations or implementations can beused.

Although the various volatile composition dispensers disclosed hereinhave been discussed for use in a vehicle, those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize other uses for the dispensers in other environments.In one non-limiting embodiment, the volatile composition dispensers canbe used to dispense insecticide at a camp site and/or within a tent orcabin, for example. In other various embodiments, the volatilecomposition dispensers can be used in a home, a workplace, a locker, astorage space, and/or any other suitable place or environment where thevolatile composition dispenser would have utility to a user.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description are, in relevant part,incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is not tobe construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to thepresent disclosure. To the extent that any meaning or definition of aterm in this written document conflicts with any meaning or definitionof the term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning ordefinition assigned to the term in this written document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present disclosure have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of dispensing a volatile composition,comprising: providing a replaceable unit comprising a power source, avolatile composition container comprising a volatile composition in atleast partially a liquid phase, a high surface area material; providinga fan powered by said power source and in fluid communication with saidvolatile composition container; evaporating a portion of said volatilecomposition within said volatile composition container; and using saidfan to intermittently force a volume of air at least partially throughsaid volatile composition container to expel at least most of theevaporated portion of said volatile composition from said volatilecomposition container.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein said volatilecomposition container comprises an inner wall and at least oneprojection extending into said volatile composition container from saidinner wall, wherein said at least one projection is configured to engagesaid high surface area material to maintain said high surface areamaterial at a distance away from said inner wall.
 3. The method of claim1 wherein said volatile composition container comprises at least onespace defined intermediate said inner wall and the surfaces of said highsurface area material, wherein said at least one space is configured toreceive the vapor phase volatile composition.
 4. The method of claim 1wherein said volatile composition container comprises at least one firstorifice configured to receive said volume of air from said fan andcomprises at least one second orifice configured to expel at least aportion of said volume of air and a portion of the vapor phase volatilecomposition from said volatile composition container to the atmosphere.5. The method of claim 4 wherein said at least one first orifice andsaid at least one second orifice each have a cross-sectional area in therange of about 0.007 cm² to about 0.50 cm².